Shifting Drug Landscapes in China: A Multilevel Analysis of Traditional vs New Psychoactive Substance Use and Interregional Differences

The analysis delineates a clear shift in China's drug landscape from traditional drugs to NPS, with concentrations in southern, coastal, and adolescent demographics. These patterns suggest that effective policy responses should be regionally tailored and prioritize youth prevention in economically advanced areas. Future research is needed to verify these associations and explore underlying causal mechanisms.